Low-income Families

HC Deb 08 December 1975 vol 902 cc19-20

10. Miss Fookes

asked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection whether she is satisfied that low-income families will be adequately protected against price increases during the next year.

Mr. Alan Williams

Despite the severe economic constraints that we face, we have given and continue to give priority to the interests of these families in shaping our social and pricing policies.

Miss Fookes

Does the hon. Gentleman accept that that is precious cold comfort for the coming year? Will he reconsider the wisdom of spreading subsidies over the whole population, and concentrate subsidies instead on those in greatest need, where they can do the most good?

Mr. Alan Williams

In case the hon. Lady has not noticed, may I point out that in addition to subsidies there is the price restraint programme. Hon. Members opposite seem to oppose both. We have twice increased pensions this year, and low-income earners will benefit most from the £6 agreement.

Mrs. Millie Miller

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that in a previous answer my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State referred to those who are able to bargain? The answer to this Question will, I hope, be borne in mind, particularly for those who are not able to bargain for themselves. Does my hon. Friend realise that an increase of 6p in the price of paraffin oil is a devastating blow to old people, many of whom depend on paraffin for their home heating?

Mr. Alan Williams

My hon. Friend is absolutely correct, and it is for that reason that we are giving the priority which we regard as appropriate through subsidies and price restraint. I wish that the Opposition parties would show more support for our policies.

Mrs. Sally Oppenheim

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that the complacency of the Secretary of State about the rate of inflation and its effect on poorer families is highly alarming, and that even if the Government's target is reached by the end of next year, or exceeded by perhaps 2 per cent. or 3 per cent., inflation is likely to be twice that of our main competitors for the second year running? The effect of inflation on unemployment, poorer families and falling living standards could have been ameliorated if the Government had decided to attack it 17 months earlier than they did.

Mr. Alan Williams

There seems to be a singular lack of positive suggestion of an alternative from hon. Members opposite. I fancy that far from supporting the attack on inflation they are regretting that at last it looks as though it may be succeeding.

Mrs. Bain

Does the hon. Gentleman accept that 20 per cent. of the people in Scotland live on or below the poverty line, as defined by the Department for Social Services, and that average family income is 2.5 per cent. below the United Kingdom average? There is great disillusionment with the Government, who have failed to look after the weak sections of the community, which are least able to defend themselves against inflation.

Mr. Alan Williams

I do not think that the Scottish people will find any solutions in the pipe dreams of the party which the hon. Lady represents.